DISCUSS REVOLUTION AND THE CRITICAL FACTORS THAT CAUSES IT

BY:

……………………

………………..

AN ASSIGNMENT PRESENTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE

AND DIPLOMACY, FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES VERITAS UNIVERSITY
ABUJA.

COURSE/COURSE CODE

REVOLUTION AND SOCIETY PSD 451

LECTURER

Dr, Rev Fr Emmanuel Okwara

DATE

17-01-2023.

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OUTLINE

Introduction

Understanding Revolution

Types of revolution

Critical triggers of revolution

References.

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INTRODUCTION

At its core, revolution denotes a radical and comprehensive shift in the established order,

whether it be political, social, economic, cultural, or technological. It is a force that challenges

prevailing norms and systems, compelling societies to reassess their foundations and envision

alternative futures. Revolution transcends mere rebellion; it is a collective, often tumultuous,

endeavor to redefine the very essence of societal existence. It unfolds through a series of stages,

from the simmering discontent that permeates society to the crescendo of collective action and,

ultimately, the reconfiguration of power structures.

The dynamics of revolution are akin to a societal metamorphosis, where the old gives

way to the new, and established norms are challenged and reshaped. Revolutionary movements

are often ignited by catalysts that act as sparks in the tinderbox of societal discontent. These

catalysts vary across different types of revolutions. Economic inequalities, political oppression,

cultural upheavals, and technological advancements can all serve as triggers, compelling

individuals and communities to question the status quo and demand change.

the transformative changes it begets in the socio-political landscape. Successful

revolutions bring about substantive alterations, whether in the form of new political systems,

societal structures, or cultural paradigms. The aftermath is not merely a change in leadership; it is

a profound redefinition of societal norms, values, and aspirations. Revolution, while a force for

change, is not devoid of challenges and sacrifices. The very nature of challenging established

systems and structures invites resistance, conflict, and, at times, bloodshed. The path to

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transformation is fraught with obstacles, requiring resilience, strategic thinking, and a collective

commitment to the pursuit of a better future.

Karl Marx's foundational analysis, outlined in "The Communist Manifesto" and "Das

Kapital," focuses on class struggle and the dialectical materialism framework. According to

Marx, historical development is marked by class conflicts, and revolutions arise as the oppressed

class seeks to overthrow the existing social order. His perspective provides a fundamental

understanding of societal transformation and revolution.

One of the major revolutions that has occurred in the history of the world is the French

revolution which happened in 1789 and Russia revolution of 1917 which were both political and

economic revolution giving rise to the establishment of a new system, most especially the Russia

revolution which gave path to the Soviet Union.

Types of Revolution

Revolution can take place in various forms and it is not limited to just social and political

sphere of live, the following below are the various types of revolution.

Political Revolution: Political revolutions are pivotal in reshaping governance structures

and power dynamics. The American Revolution (1776) serves as an exemplary case, challenging

monarchical rule and laying the foundations for democratic principles Wood, (1992). The quest

for political autonomy becomes a driving force, triggering a cascade of changes that resonate

across generations.

Social Revolution: Addressing deep-seated societal inequalities, social revolutions aim for

substantive changes in norms and structures. The Russian Revolution (1917) exemplifies a

transformative movement seeking to eradicate class distinctions and establish a new social order

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Fitzpatrick, (2008). Such revolutions strive for a more egalitarian society, challenging entrenched

disparities.

Economic Revolution: Economic revolutions bring about profound shifts in production,

distribution, and economic systems. The Industrial Revolution, a hallmark of economic

transformation, catapulted societies from agrarian to industrialized Mokyr, (1990). The

repercussions extended beyond factories, shaping urbanization, labor relations, and economic

landscapes.

Cultural Revolution: Cultural revolutions, characterized by radical shifts in values and

ideologies, leave an indelible mark on societal fabric. The Chinese Cultural Revolution (1966-

1976) under Mao Zedong aimed to reshape cultural norms through mass mobilization and

ideological reformation. MacFarquhar & et al, (2006). Cultural revolutions are inherently

ideological battles, shaping the narratives that define a society.

Technological Revolution: Technological revolutions redefine how societies function,

ushering in unprecedented changes in communication, commerce, and daily life. The

Information Age and the ongoing Digital Revolution exemplify this transformative process

Castells, (1996). The integration of technology influences not only economies but also social

interactions and cultural paradigms.

National Revolution: National revolutions pivot around the assertion or redefinition of a

nation’s sovereignty. The Indian Independence Movement exemplifies a struggle against colonial

rule, forging a distinct national identity Guha, (2007). These revolutions are not only battles for

political autonomy but also narratives of cultural resilience and self-determination.

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 Nonviolent Revolution: In contrast to armed conflict, nonviolent revolutions prioritize

social and political change through civil resistance. The Civil Rights Movement in the United

States, led by Martin Luther King Jr., exemplifies the potency of nonviolent action King, (1963).

Such revolutions underscore the transformative power of peaceful collective action.

Critical triggers of revolution

Socio-Economic Inequalities:

Nigeria grapples with significant socio-economic disparities, with a substantial portion of

the population facing poverty and limited access to basic services. The unequal distribution of

wealth, coupled with high unemployment rates, presents a potential breeding ground for

revolutionary sentiments (World Bank, 2022).

Political Repression and Unrest:

Nigeria has experienced periods of political repression and social unrest. Historical

events, such as the Nigerian Civil War and more recent instances of protests against police

brutality #ENDSARS, highlight the potential for grievances against the government to escalate

into larger movements (Human Rights Watch, 2022).

Governance Challenges:

Challenges in governance, including corruption and a perceived lack of accountability,

contribute to dissatisfaction among the population. The inability of the state to effectively

address issues such as infrastructure, education, and healthcare can fuel revolutionary sentiments

(Transparency International, 2022).

Youth Unemployment and Aspirations:

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 High levels of youth unemployment, coupled with aspirations for a better future, create a

demographic that is both vulnerable to revolutionary ideologies and motivated for change.

Government initiatives addressing youth employment and empowerment are essential for

stability and low crime rate in the state. (United Nations, 2022).

Ethnic and Religious Dynamics:

Historical tensions and competition for resources among ethnic and religious groups may

contribute to a volatile environment. Nigeria’s diverse ethnic and religious landscape adds

complexity to the revolutionary triggers. (BBC News, 2022).

Conclusion

In conclusion, the concept of revolution emerges as a complex and multifaceted force that

transcends mere rebellion. It is a dynamic process driven by catalysts, propelled by the collective

aspirations of societies to redefine their essence. Revolution’s transformative aftermath is not

only about changing the guard but about ushering in substantive changes that resonate across

generations. The concept of revolution is a testament to humanity’s capacity for renewal,

resilience, and the perpetual quest for a more just and equitable societal order.

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References

BBC News. (2022). “Nigeria’s EndSARS Protests: police disbandment and what next?”
Brinton, C. (1938). "Anatomy of revolution."
Hobsbawm, E. (1962). "The age of revolution: Europe 1789–1848."
Human Rights Watch. (2022). "Nigeria events of 2021."
Marx, K., & Engels, F. (1848). "The Communist Manifesto."
Mokyr, J. (1990). “The lever of riches: technological creativity and economic progress.”
Oxford Research Encyclopedia. (2022). Social media and political mobilization.
Skocpol, T. (1979). "States and social revolutions: a comparative analysis of France, Russia, and
China."
Transparency International. (2022). "Corruption perceptions index 2021."
United Nations. (2022). “Nigeria youth employment and empowerment.”
World Bank. (2022). "Nigeria overview."
Castells, M. (1996). “The rise of the network society.”
Guha, R. (2007). “India after Gandhi: the history of the world’s largest democracy.”
King, M. L. (1963). “Letter from a Birmingham Jail.”
Lynch, M. (2012). “Uprising the Arab: The unfinished revolutions of the new middle east.”